Major redevelopment of the Blackbird Leys estate in Oxford has been approved by the city council.

The planning committee’s August 15 meeting approved plans by housing association Peabody (formerly Catalyst) and the council, which is development partner, to build 294 homes across two sites.

A new district centre will include 210 of the homes, (174 of them affordable and 36 for shared ownership), while 84 houses for shared ownership will be built in Knights Road.

The district centre will also provide new green spaces, shops and a community centre, as well as improved roads with a segregated cycle route.

The sustainable neighbourhood will include a new central green space, a nature trail and a community space with a roof terrace to promote intergenerational living.

The redevelopment will take place in phases, with work set to begin on the first of the new homes and shops later this year.

The community centre will also be delivered as part of the first phase and the council and Peabody are working with Blackbird Leys residents to develop detailed designs.

More homes will follow in a second phase, expected to get under way in 2025.

Simon Barry, managing director, development for Peabody, said: “This is an incredible milestone both for the scheme and for the future of Blackbird Leys.

“We’re pleased that the committee recognised the benefits of the plans, which will deliver much-needed homes for local residents, high-quality public open space, and purpose-built community and retail spaces to meet the future needs of this area.

“Every home at Blackbird Leys will be affordable, helping to tackle Oxford’s housing shortage, and we’re proud to be enhancing green spaces, delivering new active travel routes and creating a modern civic heart for this community.

“We look forward to continuing our work with Oxford City Council and local residents to bring our vision and ambition for this regeneration to life.”

Architect for the scheme is JTP.

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